Hi-Rez Studios, independent developer of AAA free-to-play online games and MANOWAR, the band known worldwide for mythology-themed lyrics and an epic heavy metal sound, today confirmed their collaboration around the game, Smite. A new Smite video was released featuring god vs. god gameplay footage set to the popular Manowar song, 'The Sons of Odin' (see below).

“Manowar has a rich history in fantasy and mythology”, says Hi-Rez Chief Operating Officer Todd Harris. “We shared our vision for Smite and decided to start with 'The Sons Of Odin' track with more music to come, including original compositions by Joey DeMaio and Manowar.”

The online game Smite began Closed Beta testing in June and has already surpassed 500,000 player downloads within the first three months.

Manowar, the world record holder for both loudest and longest live heavy metal performances, has sold over nine million records to date and boasts a passionate fan-base known as the “Army of the Immortals” and "Manowarriors".

"We are very excited about this collaboration", said Manowar founder and bassist, composer and producer Joey DeMaio. "Metal fans and gamers have a lot in common and Smite in particular totally connects with our music. We are looking forward to uniting Smite gamers and Manowarriors all over the world."

The game Smite is currently in Beta and will release in Q1 2013. Within Smite, players choose from a selection of gods, join session based 5 versus 5 arena combat, and use custom powers and team tactics against other players and minions. Smite is free-to-play and is a digital download for the PC. Players interested in joining the Smite Closed Beta can register for an invitation at this location.

Manowar's new studio album, The Lord Of Steel, will now be released into worldwide retail on October 19th, delayed from the previously announced date of September 28th (dates may vary from territory to territory), following a limited-edition pre-release as the Hammer Edition in collaboration with Metal Hammer (UK). A preview of the album artwork, from Ken Kelly, can be seen below:

A new trailer for the album and upcoming tour can now be seen below:

The retail edition of The Lord Of Steel will feature different mixes and mastering, spectacular new art by fantasy artist Ken Kelly, and other surprises. The album will be available as CD, limited-edition vinyl and digital album.

"Manowar have always dared to do things differently. You have to look at these two versions like a movie that comes out in alternate versions; a Director's Cut or alternate endings or stories even told from different perspectives." explained bassist Joey DeMaio. "For those of you who enjoyed the first taste of The Lord Of Steel, meaning the Metal Hammer version, I can tell you that the forthcoming Lord Of Steel release on Magic Circle Entertainment will be even more unique and yes, more brutal."

The Lord Of Steel is a raw-to-the-bone production, merging vintage elements with the trademark sound Manowar have developed over the years.

"When you have to make room for literally hundreds of other instruments such as Orchestras, Choirs, Marching Armies on 'Gods Of War 'for example, you have to create sonic space for that. The fewer instruments you have the louder they can be individually. As an artist you want to give your audience new experiences. This is not 'elevator music'. This is an album that hits you hard right between the eyes and does not let up", said Joey DeMaio.

For their twelfth studio album Manowar have tapped into the world of action heroes and their stories, writing their first song specifically for a Hollywood movie, 'El Gringo' and another one, 'Expendable', inspired by Sylvester Stallone's action movie franchise The Expendables. The band has meanwhile confirmed their next movie project, Soldiers, for The Expendables 2 star Jean-Claude Van Damme.

From the furious title track and the pumping 'Black List', to the power ballad 'Righteous Glory' and the Ennio Morricone homage 'El Gringo', The Lord Of Steel is full of surprises.

The Lord Of Steel (retail edition) will be mixed and mastered by long-time collaborators mixing engineer Ronald Prent and two-time Grammy award-winning mastering engineer Darcy Proper.

BraveWords.com's review of The Lord Of Steel can be found at this location.

Coinciding with the release of the album, Manowar will kick off the Lord Of Steel World Tour with first shows in October and November, in Europe and the United States. The band have just announced that they will also return to Russia, on Saturday, November 3rd at the Stadium Live in Moscow.

Confirmed dates:

October

9 - Zaragoza, Spain - Interpeñas
11 - La Coruña, Spain - Coliseum
13 - Barcelona, Spain - St Jordi Club
14 - Madrid, Spain - La Riviera
16 - Paris, France - Trabendo
19 - Kerkrade, Holland – Rodahal
20 – Frankfurt, Germany – Jahrhunderthalle
23 - Pardubice, Czech Republic - CEZ Arena
24 - Prague, Czech Republic - Mala Sportovni Hala
26 - Zlin, Czech Republic - Euronics

November

3 - Moscow, Russia - Stadium Live
23 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium
24 - Long Island, NY - The Paramount
25 - Long Island, NY - The Paramount